I mentioned in my last post that I have noticed that many churches seem to focus their sermons on encouraging messages that make the flock feel good without encouraging deep change. I was thinking about this a little more and I think that the following verses applies:
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge; Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of the evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. 2 Tim 4:1-5
I've had people label me militant, negative and extremist in the past. Often what I say is negative because often what I see is negative. We live in a sick world and the church is very sick as well. I'm not about the start telling people that the church is doing a good job when I just don't think it is. I'm going to correct, rebuke and encourage righteousness. The prophets carried a negative message because the situation that they were in was negative. I imagine that they were labeled militant, negative and extremist from time to time too. Giving comforting little "chicken soup for the soul" type messages only make people feel comfortable and content. Why would I want to do that?
Posted by rose at September 22, 2004 11:46 AM | TrackBack